Departure Bay Real Estate

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Departure Bay Real Estate Market Insights

Departure Bay Parks and Beaches Nearby

• Departure Bay Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Large sandy and shingle beach (about 800 metres long)
    • Roped-off swimming area in summer
    • Playground and grassy field
    • Seawall pathway for walking and jogging
    • Public washrooms and picnic tables
    • Benches for sightseeing
    • Nearby coffee shops and food vendors
    • Views of the bay, mountains, and BC Ferries terminal
    • Tidal pools, shells, and marine life at low tide
    • Kayak launch site

  • Directions:
    

    • Located along Departure Bay Road, right in the heart of the Departure Bay neighbourhood.
    • Landmarks: Across from the BC Ferries terminal and close to Kinsmen Park.
    • Parking available along Departure Bay Road; access the beach via stairs or the pedestrian walkway.

• Kinsmen Park (Kin Beach)
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Grassy picnic area with tables
    • Close proximity to the beach
    • Family-friendly open space

  • Directions:
    

    • At the south end of Departure Bay Beach, along Departure Bay Road.
    • Landmark: Adjacent to Departure Bay Beach and near the BC Ferries terminal.

• Beach Estates Park
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Wooded walking trails with wooden bridges and stairs
    • Follows Northfield Creek, includes small waterfalls
    • Shady, tranquil environment
    • Trail leads to a small beach area near the ferry terminal

  • Directions:
    

    • Trailhead at 2140 Departure Bay Road
    • Access the park by walking down the trail from Departure Bay Road, near Brechin Road and close to the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

• Pipers Lagoon Park
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Scenic rocky and sandy beaches
    • Walking trails with panoramic views
    • Tidal lagoon and wildlife viewing
    • Popular for picnics, nature walks, and photography

  • Directions:
    

    • Short drive north from Departure Bay via Hammond Bay Road, turn onto Lagoon Drive
    • Landmark: Near Shack Island, visible from the park

• Neck Point Park
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Rocky beach and headland areas
    • Clear water for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving
    • Walking trails with ocean views
    • Parking lot near the entrance

  • Directions:
    

    • Accessible via Hammond Bay Road, then turn onto Morningside Drive
    • Just a short drive west of Pipers Lagoon Park

• Blueback Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Secluded, quiet beach with clear water
    • Popular for swimming and relaxing
    • Accessed by a steep path and stairs

  • Directions:
    

    • Located at the end of Blueback Road, off Hammond Bay Road (north of Departure Bay)
    • Street parking available in the residential area

• Maffeo Sutton Park (Swy-a-Lana Lagoon)
  

  • Amenities & Features:
    

    • Grassy open spaces and waterfront promenade
    • Small sandy beach area
    • Kayak and paddleboard access
    • Playground, picnic tables, and washrooms
    • Views of Nanaimo Harbour and Newcastle Island

  • Directions:
    

    • Located downtown at 100 Comox Road, adjacent to the waterfront
    • Landmark: Near the Bastion and Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway

Departure Bay Schools Nearby

• Departure Bay Elementary School

  Address: 3004 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 1B4

  Phone: 250-758-6541

  Fax: 250-751-1617

  Principal: Larry Dean

  Vice Principal: Margaret Westaway

  Secretary: Anne Stacey

  Student Population: Approximately 406 students

  Program: Eco-School focus

• Frank J. Ney Elementary School

  Address: 5301 Williamson Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9V 1L1

  Phone: 250-758-5711

  Fax: 250-751-1873

  Principal: (Contact school for current principal)

  Student Population: Approximately 434 students

  Note: Some northern areas of Departure Bay, including Oakridge and Stephenson Point, are being redirected to Frank J. Ney Elementary as of September 2025.

• Dover Bay Secondary School

  Address: 6135 McGirr Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9V 1M1

  Phone: 250-756-4595

  Fax: 250-751-3405

  Principal: (Contact school for current principal)

  Grades: 8-12

  Note: Students from the affected areas redirected to Frank J. Ney Elementary will attend Dover Bay Secondary for grades 8-12.

• Wellington Secondary School

  Address: 3135 Mexicana Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 2W8

  Phone: 250-758-9191

  Fax: 250-758-5178

  Principal: (Contact school for current principal)

  Grades: 8-12

  Note: Other areas of Departure Bay continue to feed into Wellington Secondary for grades 8-12.

Important Notes:

– Catchment boundaries are currently under review and will change in September 2025, especially for elementary schools in the Departure Bay area.

– Residents in the Oakridge and Stephenson Point neighbourhoods will be required to transfer to Frank J. Ney Elementary and then to Dover Bay Secondary.

– For the most accurate and up-to-date catchment information, consult the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools catchment map or contact the school district directly.

Location and Accessibility of Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC

Location

• Address: 680 Trans-Canada Highway, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5R1
• Coordinates: 49.1921928°N, 123.9560779°W
• Situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Departure Bay is approximately a 5-minute drive north of downtown Nanaimo.
• The terminal is the northern terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway on Vancouver Island and serves as a major gateway to and from the mainland via BC Ferries to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver).

Terminal Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible washrooms, parking, elevators, and wheelchairs available for boarding assistance.
• Boarding assistance is available for passengers with mobility needs.
• Accessible parking is provided in both short-term and long-term lots.
• Public transit connections are available at the terminal, offering convenient access for non-drivers.
• Waiting rooms and washrooms are accessible to all passengers.

Beach and Waterfront Accessibility

• A seasonal Mobi-Mat® is installed at Departure Bay Beach, providing a non-slip, wheelchair-friendly walkway to improve access to the beach area for those using wheelchairs, strollers, or wagons.
• The Nanaimo Waterfront Walkway includes Departure Bay and is being expanded to enhance continuous, accessible pathways for walking and cycling along the waterfront.

Parking and Transit Options

• Parking is available for both short-term and long-term stays, with payment via credit card, app, or cash (coins only at some meters).
• Public transit routes serve the terminal, making it accessible for those without vehicles.

Ferry Service and Terminal Hours

• BC Ferries operates frequent daily sailings between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Reservations are recommended for vehicles and foot passengers.
• The terminal is closed overnight; remaining on the property outside of service hours is not permitted.
• Check-in for reservations opens 60 minutes before departure and closes 30 minutes prior. For non-reserved travel, ticket sales close 5 minutes before vehicle departure and 10 minutes before for foot passengers.

Additional Resources

• BC Ferries: Departure Bay Terminal Information
• BC Ferries Accessibility Services
• Driving Directions to Departure Bay Terminal

Scenic Views from Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC

Panoramic Ocean and Mountain Vistas

Departure Bay offers sweeping views across the Salish Sea, with the mainland mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. The bay itself is a wide, half-moon stretch of sandy and shingle beach, perfect for leisurely walks and taking in the ever-changing coastal scenery. On clear days, you can see the distant peaks of the Coast Mountains, while ferries and sailboats glide across the water.

Departure Bay Beach

The beach is the heart of the neighbourhood, known for its soft sand, tidal pools, and driftwood. At low tide, the beach expands, revealing tidal flats ideal for exploring. The area is popular for swimming, paddling, and beachcombing, with a roped-off swimming area in summer. The seawall pathway and grassy parkland provide additional vantage points for enjoying the scenery.

• Long sandy shoreline with tidal pools and shallow waters
• Views of ferries arriving and departing from the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
• Playground and grassy areas for family-friendly outings

Sugarloaf Mountain Viewpoint

A short walk up Sugarloaf Mountain, located just above Departure Bay, rewards visitors with a bird’s-eye perspective of the bay, ferry terminal, and the surrounding city. From this vantage point, you can watch BC Ferries vessels arriving and departing, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch toward the mainland and the Gulf Islands.

• Accessible via Marion Drive
• Unobstructed views of Departure Bay and the Coastal Mountains
• Excellent spot for photography and sunset watching

Nearby Parks and Lookouts

• Pipers Lagoon Park: Offers trails and raised walkways with ocean vistas and views of Shack Island’s colourful cabins. Learn more
• Neck Point Park: Features secluded coves and platforms for expansive views over the Salish Sea, with chances to spot marine wildlife.
• Kinsmen Park (Kin Beach): Located at the south end of Departure Bay, providing another scenic spot for beach and bay views.

Harbour and City Skyline

From various points along the bay and nearby parks, you can look back toward Nanaimo’s skyline, with the city’s historic downtown and waterfront forming a picturesque urban backdrop. The interplay of boats, seaplanes, and the bustling ferry terminal adds a dynamic element to the scenery.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

• Frequent sightings of seals, sea lions, and occasionally orcas in the bay
• Abundant birdlife, especially near tidal flats and rocky outcrops
• Seasonal wildflowers and lush greenery in surrounding parks

Further Exploration

• 10 of the Best Views in Nanaimo
• Departure Bay Beach Guide
• Departure Bay History & Walking Tour

Shopping Experiences Near Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC

Nanaimo Quay Market

Located directly at the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, the Nanaimo Quay Market offers a convenient market-style shopping experience. The market features a selection of local shops, food kiosks, and artisan goods, making it an ideal stop for travellers and locals alike.

Woodgrove Centre

The largest shopping mall in Nanaimo, Woodgrove Centre is a short drive north of Departure Bay. It features over 140 stores, including major retailers such as Hudson’s Bay, Winners, Toys R Us, and Sport Chek, as well as a variety of dining options and services.

Nanaimo North Town Centre

Nanaimo North Town Centre is another major shopping destination, offering a mix of national chains, local boutiques, and a grocery store. It’s easily accessible from Departure Bay by car or public transit.

Terminal Park Shopping Centre

Located near the ferry terminal, Terminal Park Shopping Centre provides convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services for both residents and visitors.

Bay Village Plaza

Situated in the Departure Bay area, Bay Village Plaza offers a selection of local shops and services, making it a handy spot for quick errands or casual browsing.

Local Convenience and Specialty Stores

• 7-Eleven at 2875 Departure Bay Rd: Open daily with convenience items, snacks, and fuel.
• Hummingbird Fibre Arts: Local crafts and fibre arts supplies.
• Nail Techniques: Beauty and nail care services.

Farmers’ and Artisan Markets

• Cedar Farmers Market: A short drive from Departure Bay, this market offers fresh local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods during the market season.